How to Plan a Soccer Training Session: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Step 0: The 3 Prerequisites Before Planning

Before you open the app or write on the first sheet: Three things must be clear.

Prerequisite 1: Who's coming?

How many players are coming today? Are there any absences? Are new players joining?

Prerequisite 2: What did we do last?

What was the focus of the last training session? What worked well, and what didn't? Which players have improved, and who needs to catch up?

Prerequisite 3: What is the current season goal?

Are we at the beginning of the season (building technical foundations)? In the competitive phase (game-like sessions)? Before an important match (reduce session, final training)?

Once these three questions are answered, the actual planning begins.

Step 1: Select Your Team

In Coach OS, you start by selecting your team. You will have previously created a team (age group, average number of players, training dates).

Select the team. Coach OS will automatically show you the last training session and the next scheduled date.

Step 2: Start the AI Generator

Open the AI Training Planner in Coach OS. You will see an input form with the planning parameters. This is where the actual planning begins.

Step 3: Select Available Training Area

Which area is available to you? Coach OS offers six options:

1. Full Pitch (11v11)

2. Half Pitch

3. Small Field (up to 8v8)

4. Indoor Hall

5. Mini Pitch

6. Variable Size (custom input)

The training area influences which drills the AI suggests. Indoor-suitable drills differ from open-field game forms.

Step 4: Enter Training Duration

How long is today's training session? 60, 75, 90 minutes?

The training duration determines how much time the AI allocates to each phase. A 60-minute session has a different structure than a 90-minute session.

Step 5: Choose Training Structure

What basic structure should the session have? Coach OS offers five models:

1. Standard 5-Phase (Activation → Technique → Main Part → Free Play → Cool-Down)

2. SÜS Model (Play → Practice → Play – for a game-centered approach)

3. Technical Focus (more time for technical block, shorter game forms)

4. Game Form Focus (less technique, more game forms)

5. Pre-Match Session (short activation, lots of free play)

Step 6: Coach Setup

Are you alone or with an assistant coach? This information helps the AI select drills that are feasible with your resources. Some drills require two coaches for two groups simultaneously.

Step 7: Player Count and Group Division

How many players are coming? How do you want to divide them?

• All together
• In two groups
• Small groups (e.g., 4 groups of 3–4 players)

The group division influences which game forms and drill types are possible.

Step 8: Choose Training Type

What should be the focus of today's session? Six main categories:

1. Technique: Passing, Dribbling, Finishing, Ball Control

2. Tactics: Pressing, Build-up Play, Zonal Marking, Transitions

3. Athletics: Coordination, Speed, Endurance

4. Set Pieces: Corners, Free Kicks

5. Free Play: No specific focus, recovery and fun

6. Combinations: e.g., Technique + Tactics, Dribbling + Transitions

You can also combine: "Passing with a pressing aspect".

Step 9: Available Equipment

What is available to you? Five categories:

1. Balls (quantity)

2. Cones / Markers

3. Bibs (various colors)

4. Goals (full-size, small, cone goals)

5. Other equipment (agility ladders, medicine balls, etc.)

The AI filters drills based on what can be carried out with the available equipment. No more drills that you have to abandon due to lack of equipment.

Step 10: Generate Session – Under 30 Seconds

You click on "Generate Training".

Your complete training session appears in under 30 seconds:

What you see:

• Overview of all phases with time allocations
• Each drill with:

- Animated visualization

- Complete execution description

- 3–5 coaching points

- Variations (easier / harder)

- Equipment needed

• Complete equipment list for the session

Step 11: Optional Adjustments

The AI-generated session is a suggestion. Not a command.

Swap a drill: You don't like a drill or know a better alternative. Click "Swap", choose from the database.

Add a coaching point: You want to add a specific note for your team. Simply enter it.

Change order: Drag-and-drop, swap phases.

Adjust timing: More time for Phase 2, less for Phase 3? Everything is editable.

Step 12: Save, PDF Export, Player OS

When the session is complete:

Save: The session is added to your training history. You can open it again at any time.

PDF Export: A print-ready training session with:

• All drills with diagrams
• Descriptions and coaching points
• Time allocation
• Equipment list
• Focus and team data

Player OS: You send the session to your players. They will see in their player app:

• Drill animations
• Training focus
• Coaching points

Step 13: On-Field Training

You're on the field. The session is on your phone (Coach OS App) or printed out in front of you.

Players using Player OS will have prepared. The first drill is clear for everyone.

On the field, remember: the plan is a foundation, not a straitjacket. If a drill isn't working, swap it out. If players need more, extend it. If energy is low, move to free play sooner.

Step 14: Post-Training Review

In Coach OS, you can enter a quick review after training:

• How was the intensity? (1–5)
• How was participation? (1–5)
• Notes: What worked well? What was challenging?
• Individual player reviews (optional)

This information feeds into the next planning suggestion. The AI learns what works for your team.

The SÜS Model: A Special Case

The SÜS Model (Play → Practice → Play) is an alternative approach to the 5-phase structure.

Principle:

1. Play (15–20 minutes): Free play to start – players warm up, play without pressure

2. Practice (20–30 minutes): Isolate and train technique or tactics

3. Play (25–35 minutes): Apply what was learned in a game setting

When SÜS is useful:

When you want to give players freedom first, before introducing structured guidelines. Especially for younger age groups or after match days, when players should ease into training.

Coach OS supports the SÜS model as a training structure option.

Conclusion: From Idea to Session in Under 10 Minutes

14 steps might sound like a lot. But in practice, steps 1–9 combined take about 3 minutes. Step 10 (generation) takes 30 seconds. Steps 11–12 take 2–5 minutes, depending on adjustment needs.

Result: A complete, methodically structured, animated training session in 5–10 minutes.

→ Test Coach OS for 30 days free: coach-os.de